We Refuse to Disappear: Pushing Back Against Anti-Queer Rhetoric in Education | Ep. 205 (with sj Miller)

Host Bryan Stanton (they/them) sits down with agender educator, sj Miller (none) to discuss ways to support students navigating their identities and socialization. This episode dives into LGBTQ inclusive teaching, queer pedagogy, and the realities of building inclusive classrooms in today’s policy climate. Through lived experience and classroom practice, we explore what it actually means to show up for queer and trans students when systems aren’t built for them.From navigating anti-trans legislation to redefining what classroom inclusion looks like, this conversation centers real educator strategies—not theory. It’s about how teachers are protecting students, pushing back, and creating spaces of belonging even when policies say otherwise.In this episode, you’ll learn: How educators practice “acts of refusal” to protect LGBTQ students  What queer pedagogy looks like in real classrooms—not just theory  How anti-trans education policy impacts day-to-day teaching  Ways to support students navigating identity, safety, and visibility  Why understanding the law is critical for inclusive teaching If you’re teaching right now, this is the work. Follow, share, and keep showing up for your students.Support the showQueering Education is a Teaching While Queer podcast centering LGBTQ+ educators and the real-world realities of teaching while queer. We explore queer representation in education, including burnout, tokenism, doxing, visibility, boundaries, and advocacy for inclusive classrooms, safe schools, and anti-bullying practices.This podcast supports gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, asexual, aromantic, agender, and two-spirit teachers, and addresses how gender identity in schools can be honored to reduce isolation, protect educators, and build community.Support the podcast and spread the message with merch from Equalitees.Me.Follow Teaching While Queer on Instagram and Facebook. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen.Keywords: Teaching While Queer, queer educators, LGBTQ teachers, inclusive education, gender identity in schools, safe classrooms, anti-bullying strategies, educator burnout, LGBTQ advocacy, queer visibility in education